After bidding farewell to Xiao Yu, Mo Yu went to his own hut. His grandfather was also in the room, and he appeared worried.
"Yu'er, you're back," the old man said, smiling when he saw Mo Yu.
Noticing the old man's worried expression, Mo Yu guessed the cause and asked, "Grandpa, are you worried about the family's recent business troubles?"
The old man nodded and sighed, "Recently, we've had a business conflict with the Gale family. Our profits have dropped by 50% to 60%, and we're even struggling to pay the monthly salaries of some of our servants."
As the family's butler, the old man was deeply aware of the family's financial situation and was therefore particularly anxious.
Hearing this, Mo Yu shook his head. Initially, he didn't want to get involved, assuming that Xiao Yan would handle the situation perfectly. However, he realized he was now an integral part of the Xiao family. Not only had he married into the family, but even his grandfather, after years of integration, was as close to him as a family member.
Understanding this, Mo Yu knew he couldn't ignore the issue, especially for the sake of the old man who had worked so hard.
"Grandpa, don't worry. I can handle this matter," Mo Yu said calmly.
The old man looked surprised, a barely perceptible expression of astonishment crossing his cloudy eyes. It seemed that his grandson had a big secret.
…
In the Xiao family's meeting room, the head of the family, elders, and senior executives were fuming over the worsening business situation. If things continued like this, all of the Xiao family's markets might shut down, and the family could become a second-rate force.
"It would be great if we could hire an alchemist!" someone suggested in the hall.
Hearing this, everyone shook their heads helplessly. Hiring an alchemist, especially a first-grade one, was extremely difficult.
Just as despair settled over the room, Butler Mo and Mo Yu walked in.
"Haha, Clan Leader, I, Sun Yuer, have a solution to our family's troubles," the old butler announced loudly as he entered with Mo Yu. His low voice echoed like thunder in the meeting room.
"What!"
Everyone in the Xiao family, from the clan leader and elders to senior members and younger generations, looked at the grandfather and grandson in surprise.
"Old Mo, don't joke about this!" Since the marriage had brought the two families closer, an elder advised him privately.
Xiao Zhan, too, eyed Mo Yu with caution, skeptical of his youthful claims.
In the corner of the hall, Xiao Yu looked at her fiancé with surprise. When had he acquired such abilities?
Seeing the skepticism in the room, the old man remained unperturbed and took out an extraordinary black bead from his pocket.
"This is..." The second elder, who managed the family business, recognized the bead and stroked his white beard, asking tentatively, "Is this the Thunder Fire Bead that's been popular in Wutan City recently?"
Butler Mo nodded proudly and said, "Yes, this is the Thunder Fire Bead, and I, Sun Yuer, refined it myself."
"What!?"
The room erupted in shock. The Xiao family had been paying attention to the Thunder Fire Beads but had never known who was behind them. Discovering that it was Mo Yu was a revelation.
Mo Yu then stood up and said with a smile, "I met an old senior some time ago. He saw my talent and taught me some weapon refining techniques, including how to make the Thunder Fire Bead. With the Meng family in trouble, I can't keep my secrets hidden. Give me three days and enough materials, and I can provide the family with 500 Thunder Fire Beads to address our business woes."
Hearing this, everyone in the Xiao family smiled with relief. They knew the Thunder Fire Bead had an excellent reputation among mercenaries in Wutan City. Five hundred Thunder Fire Beads, worth approximately 150,000 gold coins at market price, could significantly ease the family's financial strain.
Xiao Zhan's frown disappeared, replaced by ecstatic joy. He patted Mo Yu's shoulders with excitement and said, "Excellent! Excellent! You truly are the pride of our Xiao family!"
Then Xiao Zhan seemed to remember something and asked uneasily, "Did the old man leave an address or something? My Xiao family selling the Thunder Fire Beads without his permission—will that be alright?"
Mo Yu smiled and shook his head. "The senior left after teaching me the art of refining weapons but allowed me to sell the items I created. I was short of money recently, so I refined and sold some Thunder Fire Beads."
Relieved, Xiao Zhan nodded and said with some regret, "That senior must be a highly skilled weapon refiner. If only he could stay with the Xiao family for a while; it would bring great honor to us."
The Xiao family leaders felt a twinge of regret. A first-grade alchemist could have greatly benefited them, but having a skilled weapon refiner was also a valuable asset.
Everyone looked at Mo Yu with envy. Despite not knowing the depth of the refiner's skills, the fact that Mo Yu could produce Thunder Fire Beads indicated he had received excellent instruction.
With Mo Yu's help, the family crisis seemed resolved. After all, while the Gale family's healing medicines were just basic remedies, Thunder Fire Beads were invaluable in critical situations. Mercenaries would likely understand their true worth.
Just as the mood in the hall lifted and everyone began to smile, a family guard hurried in and reported respectfully, "Chief, there's a man in a black robe outside. He says he wants to discuss some cooperation matters with you."
Xiao Zhan and several elders were startled and quickly said, "Please invite him in!"
Seeing their reaction, everyone in the hall was curious, but Mo Yu seemed deep in thought.
"Haha, no need for formalities. How are you, Patriarch Xiao? I, an old man, have come here unannounced." As Xiao Zhan finished speaking, a loud, cheerful voice echoed from outside the door.
A figure shrouded in a large black cloak entered the hall slowly, revealing himself to everyone.
As the man in the black robe walked in, Mo Yu raised his eyebrows slightly and a smile curled at the corner of his mouth.
The mysterious Yao Lao had arrived...